NBA passes basketballs to nonprofit

NBA passes basketballs to nonprofit

The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, founded in 1866, operates eight branches and a year-round campsite at Camp Manitou-Lin. Courtesy YMCA

Grand Rapids youth at a nonprofit have plenty of new basketballs thanks to a donation from the NBA.

NBA Cares, with the help of Dick’s Sporting Goods and Spalding, donated 144 basketballs to the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids this month to help the Y’s summer basketball leagues.

The balls will be spread between the Spartan Stores Y in Wyoming, David D. Hunting Y in Grand Rapids and the Visser Family Y in Grandville.

The balls will be used for instructional classes at the YMCAs in Wyoming, Grand Rapids and Belmont.

The YMCA is “thrilled to have been selected to receive this generous donation from NBA Cares and its partners,”said Sharon Crosby, association program executive director, YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids.

“Sports like basketball are so important for positive youth development,”Crosby said.

NBA Cares donated balls to more than 200 nationwide YMCAs and helps the clubs partner with local teams, court refurbishments and player visits to camps and team events.